RanchSeeker Blog

You may think that a dude ranch vacation is all about horseback riding and nothing else but many dude ranches offer a wide array of fun activities outdoors. Activities vary from dude ranch to dude ranch so be sure to ask in advance which activities are available before booking your next vacation. Below are 10 possible activities that you could do other than horseback riding.

 1)      HIKING- Dude ranches can be found in some of the most spectacular natural settings in the world. A hike could take you through mountains, boreal forests, canyon deserts, grasslands and marshes. Many dude ranches offer guided as well as self-guided hikes which vary from 1 hour to an all day hike.

 Hiking-Photo courtesy of Echo Valley Ranch & Spa

2)      FLY-FISHING- Dude ranches that are found near water may offer fly fishing as one of their activities. Beginners can often take a lesson or two before setting out to catch “the big one”.

Fly-fishing –Photo courtesy of Laramie River Dude Ranch

3)      WILDLIFE VIEWING- The wildlife at dude ranches can be diverse. From elk, white tail deer, mule deer, black bears, coyotes, to moose and more you are likely to come across something while staying at a dude ranch. Don’t forget your camera!

 4)      RAFTING-Some dude ranches offer white water rafting excursions to rivers nearby. This could include simply enjoying a nice leisurely day floating down the rapids or a far more advanced program.

 5)      SPORTING CLAYS & SKEET SHOOTING-Dude ranches may offer a visit to the range where after learning some shooting basics and safety guidelines you can try your hand at shooting.

 6)      BIRD WATCHING-Many dude ranches are home to a diverse bird population. Birders of all levels of interest can spend their time in the pursuit of easily found or not so easily found birds.

 7)      MOUNTAIN BIKING-For those people who prefer to ride a bike rather than hiking many dude ranches will make available sturdy mountain bikes for their guests to use out on the trails.

Mountain biking-Photo courtesy of Vista Verde Ranch

8) SPA TREATMENTS- After a couple of fun days filled with activities why not indulge in a full body massage or relaxing facial. Many guest ranches feature full spa programs to pamper yourself.

Spa Treatments-Photo courtesy of The Ranch at Rock Creek

9) PHOTOGRAPHY- Some guest ranches during the year offer photography retreats for professional and amateur photographers alike. With such breathtaking scenery, horses and general ranch life to choose from learn how to take your photography skills to the next level.

Photography-Photo courtesy of The Bar W Guest Ranch

10) STARGAZING- Nighttime at a guest ranch can be spectacular. Far from city lights means that stargazing at a guest ranch is something not to be missed. Many ranch’s even have telescopes on-hand to enhance your sky viewing experience.

Stargazing-Photo courtesy of Rancho Los Baños AdventureGuest Ranch

Whatever you decide to do on your next dude ranch vacation RanchSeeker’s Dude Ranch Finder can help you find the ideal guest ranch.

Happy Trails!

White Stallion Ranch is a traditional dude ranch located in Tucson, Arizona that has been owned and operated by the True family for over fifty years. Nestled at the base of the beautiful Tucson Mountains on 3,000 acres of pristine Sonoran Desert you will be surrounded by rugged mountains, cactus and unspoiled desert. With several different rides to choose from first-time trailblazers to life-long riders will have ample time to enjoy the beauty of the desert from atop a horse. The True family has one of the largest privately owned herds in Arizona which means they have the right horse for every guest.

White Stallion Ranch offers activities for guests of all ages and interests aside from riding such as hiking or spending the day visiting local attractions like the Saguaro National Park, hot-air ballooning, or golfing. After dinner guests gather around a roaring bonfire under a star-studded sky while listening to the melodic strumming of a guitar complemented by cowboy songs. Large telescopes are available for those who would like to learn more about the sky above. There is also line dancing lessons, nature and animal programs, watercolor classes (with their resident artist Ute Vaughn) and Loop Rawlins’ Wild West Show of Trick Roping, Whip Cracking & Gun Spinning.

For guests who have always wanted to experience a real western rodeo every Wednesday (weather permitting) the ranch puts on an Exhibition Rodeo to entertain and educate visitors. The opening ceremony is a patriotic demonstration of the American flag set to music, followed by a presentation of flags that represent each guest's country. How cool is that?

The ranch’s wranglers, family and friends get together each week to compete in team roping, barrel racing, break-a-way roping and the occasional bull-dogging. While guests are seated comfortably in the bleachers, Russell True from atop a horse explains the skills required for each event, comparting the history and methods of scoring as well as plenty of colorful rodeo stories to entertain all who are present.

The True family has been “rodeoing” for almost 50 years now and it has become a family tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. You won’t find a better place to see and hear firsthand what it takes to ride in a rodeo while gaining a greater understanding of the cowboy way of life.

So if you have ever wanted to experience a real western rodeo as well as stay at a traditional dude ranch White Stallion Ranch is the vacation choice for you.

Happy Trails!

Let RanchSeeker help you find your ideal guest ranch vacation.

If you love to play in the snow and adore everything about the winter this year why not consider a vacation at Colorado’s Vista Verde Ranch located just outside of Steamboat Springs? Here, you will enjoy a true winter wonderland experience. As the temperatures drops and snow falls hideout in a deluxe lodge room or a peaceful, luxurious log cabin that range in size from one to three bedrooms. Each cabin features a living room, wood stove, and your very own private hot tub situated out on the deck which is ideal for stargazing on a clear, crisp wintry night.

When you do decide to poke your head outdoors you will find lots of exciting activities to choose from such as taking part in a traditional one horse sleigh-ride accompanied, of course, by a steaming hot cup of chocolate… could it get any better than that? But the fun doesn’t stop there, as you strap on some skis and try a variety of styles of Nordic skiing from classic to skate to back country. In addition there’s snow-shoeing, “fat” biking (bikes with wide tires that allow you to bike across snowy terrain) and snow tubing. And if that isn’t enough you can also take photography lessons, practice your downward facing dog, book a few spa treatments and take part in weekly cooking lessons and wine tastings.

If riding a horse through a blanket of fresh snow is on your bucket list then be prepared to cross it off! There is nothing like sitting astride one of Vista Verde’s magnificent horses with their warm, thick, lustrous winter coats and hearing the crunch of snow beneath their hooves while out on a winter’s day ride. Expect a slower paced excursion that lasts for an hour or so due to snowy conditions and colder temperatures. Whether you have ridden in the snow before or not this is an experience that should not be missed during your ranch visit.

Between adventures in the snow and downtime in either your private cabin or deluxe lodge room prepare to feast upon gourmet meals that balance “ranchy” with fancy ,which are served with perfectly paired wines that will impress even the most sophisticated palates at your table. Vista Verde’s Executive Chef Cholly McGlynn and his full staff of trained and experienced Chefs will happily accommodate any special dietary needs that you may have, if you simply let them know in advance.  With all the fresh air and time spent outdoors enjoying the varied activities available this is one vacation that you definitely won’t need to worry about counting calories.

Families looking for something different to do during Christmas and New Year’s will find that Vista Verde Ranch is the perfect choice to celebrate the holidays. Let the trained staff at Vista Verde take care of all the planning this year and simply show up and enjoy your all-inclusive winter vacation. For those who prefer adult-only vacation times, early January until mid-February are the dates for you. When President’s Day weekend comes around, the kid’s program kicks back into high gear and families are welcome once again through the ranch’s March Spring break weeks until it closes for the season when the snow starts to melt away.

With all the many options and activities to choose from once you get to Vista Verde Ranch, the only thing left to decide right now is what will you pack, when you want to go and with whom to spend your Colorado winter wonderland escape with this year? So what are you waiting for?

Please be sure to mention that you heard about Vista Verde Ranch through RanchSeeker.

Happy Trails!

Let RanchSeeker help you find your ideal guest ranch vacation!

According to an old Taoist proverb and often the onset of fall feels a little melancholy as summer winds down, the kids go back to school, adults get restless and leaves change colour!  What better way to embrace this seasonal change byplanning an exhilarating guest ranch fall vacation; a chance to get away fromthe daily routine and embark on activities wonderfully different andchallenging. A fall vacation at a guest ranch can deliver all this and more in that most pleasant interlude between hot summer days and cold winter nights.

A fall vacation in southern climes means warmer daytime weather, less crowded venues and more affordable rates, particularly true of a guest ranch as it settles into a slower paced itinerary after its busy summer season.  Fall can also be the perfect time to try out all the non-riding activities a guest ranch provides, in addition to the sheer joy and freedom of riding outdoors across wide, open country.

The following two ranches offer near perfect fall temperatures in outstanding down south locations, unique non-riding activities which perfectly complement their distinctive horse riding programs.  Whether a guest ranch regular or not,it will come as an added bonus to participate in new, exciting adventures, as changing autumn casts its mellowing influence on these one-of-a-kind guestranch vacation.

“Mi Casa es su Casa”……..is a traditional Mexican greeting to visitors, especially so at Rancho Los Baños; a spectacular 30,000 acre eco-adventure guest and authentic working cattle ranch situated in the foothills of the Sierra Madres in safe,secure Sonora, Mexico, just 55 miles south of Douglas in southeast Arizona.  Guests can be picked up at Tucson airport and driven across the Mexican border to the ranch to be warmly welcomed by owner/host Manuel Valenzuela.  Set in a vast, protected, pristine wilderness area, the ranchis a diverse otherworldly National Park-type habitat of rugged mountains,ravines, box canyons and unfettered riding trails over the serene and remote high Sonoran desert landscape.

Rancho LosBaños Adventure Guest Ranch is a wonderful opportunity for enthusiastic history buffs to get acquainted with its many local attractions such as El CajonCanyon, home to 2,000 year-old petroglyph caves and dwellings or the abandoned 17th century San Jose Jesuit goldmine.  A short distance from the ranch lies the secluded, scenic 20-mile long Lake Angostura and dam (built by theHoover Dam architects) surrounded by towering mountains, such as El Tigre,which houses the last stronghold of Geronimo and the Chiricahua Apache. Another interesting spot is Cat’s Claw cliffs, thought to be the hiding placeof outlaws and a long lost gold cache.

Other non-riding adventures include kayaking on the lake, hiking through stunning sculptured box canyons, trekking, geo-caching, bouldering and climbing throughCanyon country, as well as camping, birdwatching, boat tours,fly-fishing,  jeep tours, soaking in thermal baths and mountain biking. 

For more tranquil moments to properly absorb all the natural wonders of this unspoiled and long-hidden Sonoran jewel, the ranch organizes nighttime safaris, wildlife spotting, campfires and stargazing under dark unpolluted skies. The ranch is a remote and off-the-grid noise-free environment, a welcome respite from the non-stop bustle of urban life.

Accommodation at Rancho Los Baños consists of lodge rooms and well-appointed private casitas of one, two or three bedrooms each with lots of natural light, private bath,hot water showers, all powered by solar energy. The casitas are spacious,comfortable and are located at the main Rancho Hacienda with separate communal dining and socializing areas.  All-inclusive and dining packages provide three gourmet home-cooked meals a day, featuring fresh, mesquite fire international and Mexican cuisine.  Snacks and drinks are provided. Guests can buy their alcohol beverages and favourite snacks at a large grocery store en route to the ranch. 

Rancho LosBaños is an opportunity to experience genuine Mexican hospitality, local culture and history plus incredible riding adventures at this amazing ranch,such as the annual week long corrida held in early November.  This legendary cowboy rite of passage is suitable for intermediate to advanced guestriders and involves being part of a team with several hours spent daily in the saddle. Guests get to shadow an assigned skilled ranch vaquero to ensure safety during the adrenalin-charged cattle round-up.  Other ranch guests can observe the cattle being driven home to be treated and housed in the various pens.  This is the thrilling stuff of never to be forgotten memories!  Another fall highlight is Thanksgiving Week Nov. 19-26th which includes a gourmet turkey meal and nightly Latin American wine tasting. Kids under 10 stay for free.

“I want my mind to grow”……..wrote famous author F. Scott Fitzgerald and Sedona Ranch, a Health Retreat Center and riding facility, is just the place to experience a beneficial, mind-expanding fall ranch vacation to open and “grow” the mind.

Set among a2.8 acre beautiful oasis in an Arizona desert filled with breath-taking vistas of sun-lit red rocks, mountains, star-filled nights and Indian heritage sites,Sedona Ranch has mild fall temperatures during the day and cool at night. Surrounded by a National Forest of several hundred acres, the ranch is 15 milesfrom the town of Sedona and just one and two hours away from Flagstaff and Phoenix airports. Sedona Ranch is an easily accessible guest ranch sanctuary that offers personalized healing, holistic retreats, acupuncture, yoga, amedicine wheel and an abundance of natural riding trails.

Sedona Ranch is not your typical guest ranch and has a unique approach to ranch vacations,including many original and intriguing non-riding programs to challenge your curiosity and ultimately open up a new path toward a more meaningful life.  If you have been searching to achieve a better understanding of the yin and yang of your existence and a healthy balance between your daily needsand responsibilities, then come to Sedona Ranch for help at this increasingly popular and glowingly recommended ranch wellness center.

Sedona Ranchorganizes Holistic Healing Retreats for up to 8 Women guests run by owner/operator, life guide and trained practitioner Fernanda Durlene. The retreat will assist guests to get in shape spiritually and physically by means of acupuncture, meditation and breath-work, Acu-yoga, hikes and nutrition. Mealsare organic, dairy and gluten-free. The Equine Therapy sessions teach women the groundwork of horse-riding and self-empowerment. In addition, other specialized clinics are held throughout the year.  During regular ranch activities,Fernanda is available for personal counselling, self-awareness and other wellness therapies such as acupressure, cupping and Reiki energy healing.

Individual riding programs consist of one-on-one sessions with Fernanda or a group session. Equestrian Therapy is a specially designed program for PSTD victims tohelp improve riding skills, mental stability and general well-being.

BYOH is an innovative amenity for guests who bring their own horse(s) with them on vacation.  Sedona Ranch horse camp facilities include arenas, round pens,a mare motel and outdoor fire pit.  Starry night-skies and incredible views come with the territory!   The ranch also has rental space for personal RV’s and trailers and can accommodate up to 8 guests in its comfortable, fully-equipped self-catering cabins/trailers. Fresh eggs and vegetables can be had from the ranch kitchen garden.

Rental ATV’s are available for guests to explore the surrounding terrain and local Indian heritage sites such as the mysterious Shaman cave. Numerous riding and hiking trails are open to guests as well as horse shoe and bocce games.  World Heritage must-be-seen archeological sites, Palatki and Honanki, are 30 minutesfrom the town of Sedona, showing cliff dwellings and rock art by Hopi ancestors.  

Rancho LosBaños and Sedona Ranch offer fantastic fall ranch vacations among panoramic desert and mountainous backdrops and temperate climates. Invigorating riding opportunities and an unusual array of life-altering activities are sure to refresh, recharge and renew the senses in response to a primeval shift of nature, which invokes a timeless inner yearning for change.  What’s not to love?

This article1st appeared in Ranch & Reserve Magazine Vol 2 Issue 6 .Author: SheilanDove

HappyTrails!

Let RanchSeeker help you find your ideal guest ranch today. 

Are you looking for something that is incredibly fun and unique to do on your next weekend getaway? Or are you searching for a way to celebrate an upcoming special event in an unusual way? If so, Sundance Trail Guest Ranch’s Murder Mystery Weekends just might be the place for you.

Country Inn Murder Mystery weekends!

What do Pepi Roni (the pizza magnate), Judge Waylin Payne (of Roadkill, Colorado) and the science fiction author H. G. Wells have in common? Why, they’ve all been murdered right here at our Colorado bed and breakfast – dude ranch!

One of our favorite winter time activities at the ranch is Murder Mystery game weekends. Once a month or so, when we have 8 to 12 willing suspects, we find a poor murder victim sprawled out nearby – “deader than a doornail.” Murdered, and often with the first clue nearby.

Our guests then spend the weekend, between meals and horseback riding, untangling each other’s half-truths, evasions and high jinks. The games are designed for participants who are willing to take a whimsical view of blackmail, larceny, deceit, and murder.

Those of you who are offended by such high-jinks as shady dealings, sordid affairs, and deceptive conduct should not book reservations for these weekends! If you do book, plan on some laughter!

We love hosting these games. Imagine, people come to spend the week-end with us. They exercise our dude ranch horses, they make us laugh like crazy for the weekend, and then they pay us money! What a life!

We can also schedule a game for any time that you might have 8 – 12 people who want to spend the week-end together and play (before dude ranch season begins in mid-May) –perhaps a birthday party or maybe just get away with some friends!

Contact Sundance Trail Guest Ranch for more detail about the Bed and Breakfast Murder Mystery Package

All Country Inn Murder Mystery packages include lodging, meals, a murder to solve and daily horseback ride (weather permitting).

We are also planning a December 31st New Year’s Eve Murder Mystery Party!

This will be an “all evening” affair – the game will start with appetizers and then supper and the case will be solved before midnight.

Also included:

Champagne Toast at midnight

Morning brunch

Morning or early afternoon horseback ride.

Do you have a group of friends that would enjoy a Country Inn Murder Mystery weekend together?

Do you have a birthday, anniversary, or other special event that you would like to celebrate with a unique twist?

We can schedule a Murder Mystery at any time that you would enjoy – just round up a group of friends (for a total of either six or eight players or more), book two nights together, and we will take care of the rest!

The games are designed to be played in 3 to 5 rounds of investigation, one round with each meal, starting with Friday supper.

Bookings are limited to the first eight players, and restricted to participants who are willing to take a whimsical view of blackmail, larceny, deceit, and murder.

Those of you who are offended by such high-jinks as shady dealings, sordid affairs, and deceptive conduct should not book reservations for these weekends!

And if you love horseback riding plan on riding our horses each morning after breakfast!

How much does it all cost?

Participating in a Murder Mystery requires a two night stay. We are only willing to stay up to midnight on New Year’s Eve!

Current Country Inn Rates: Consider two nights’ lodging, five meals, two horseback rides, the Murder Mystery event, and just enough free time to enjoy other activities or do nothing at all!

Gift Certificates for Country Inn, massage, and Dude Ranch Vacations are also available, and can be purchased by phone. Also, if you are looking for a unique venue to get married or elope to Sundance Trail Guest Ranch can help you with that too!

*View the original source for this offer here* 

If a Murder Mystery Weekend just isn’t your “thing” be sure to check out what else Sundance Trail Guest Ranch has to offer. Located in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, and open all year round this family operated guest ranch is ideal for your next family vacation and offers dude ranching at its best. For more information about the ranch itself check out our previous blogpost here 

Please don’t forget to mention that you heard about Sundance Trail Guest Ranch through RanchSeeker J

Happy Trails!

Let RanchSeeker help you find your ideal guest ranch vacation.

If you want to slip away from the hustle and bustle of the city and into the rolling ridges of the countryside, Bar W Guest Ranch is where you should be. Stretched over 3,000 acres on Spencer Lake in Whitefish, Montana, the ranch is open all year round to extend true western hospitality to all its guests, be it through its accommodation options or variety of activities. And speaking of activities The Bar W Guest Ranch has an exciting opportunity coming up so read on to find out more.

Last Minute Special Vacancy

Cowgirl Up:

Ladies grab your best friends, sisters, daughters, and partners and saddle up for the vacation of a lifetime! The Bar W Guest Ranch is offering a 20% discount on our best room, the “Aspen Suite,” during our ever-popular Cowgirl Up week scheduled for October 1-7, 2017.  

Retreat to the beautiful Bar W Guest Ranch in Whitefish, MT for our 6 night all-inclusive get-away.  This special package combines the best of both worlds, an iconic Western experience paired with some favorite indulgences including a 2 hour spa package and Vintner’s presentation.  

Explore thousands of acres of trails, improve your horsemanship skills, work cattle, or simply kick back relax and let Montana surround you. In addition to the trails, novice and experienced riders will enjoy working cattle, barrel racing, and roping. Cowgirls will can also try their hand at skeet shooting, archery, fly casting, and hiking! After a full day of adventure ladies can soothe their muscles in our hot tub or head into town for a vibrant night of two-stepping at our local saloon.  

The Aspen Suite is located in our main lodge and offers a king size bed, luxurious bathroom complete with a jetted tub, shower, and large vanity area, a separate but attached room with a set of bunk beds, and a private balcony.  The Aspen Suite can accommodate up to 4 adults.  Call today and grab the last room while it lasts-866-828-2900.

Please be sure to mention that you heard about this special through RanchSeeker!

Happy Trails!

One wouldn’t normally think that a guest ranch vacation and attending the largest ballooning event on earth would have any common ground but in this case it does. Read on to see what Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch in New Mexico had to say in their recent blog post about this thrilling combined vacation opportunity.

It’s Time for Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2017!

Are you planning a trip to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2017 this October? If so, consider adding on a stay at Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch! We are located approximately 4 hours south of Albuquerque and still have availability during Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2017. The Fiesta runs from October 7-17, 2017.

For nine days in October, visitors from all over the globe will descend on Balloon Fiesta Park. The must see attraction is watching the New Mexico skies fill with hundreds of balloons

“The Largest Ballooning Event on Earth”

There is nothing quite like observing the daily Mass Ascension as the sun brightens the horizon on crisp October mornings. When hundreds of balloons rise to dot the clear desert skies over Albuquerque it is truly a sight to behold. Balloons of all shapes and sizes also add a unique spin on the spectacle.

Ask any New Mexican and they will tell you that autumn is one of the best times to visit New Mexico. The mornings are crisp and cool while the afternoons are warm with highs in the 60s and 70s with calm winds, perfect for ballooning!

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2017

Had your fill of balloons at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2017? Head on down to Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch for a mountain escape. Autumn is when the New Mexico wildflowers are at their peak after receiving all the summer rains. It is also elk season and you can often hear elk bugling at dawn and dusk. Let our horses guide you into the beautiful Gila National Forest. Ride through deep canyons, across crystal clear streams and atop mountain overlooks where you can gaze upon the brilliant fall colors. As you are planning your trip to New Mexico, check out our Area Attractions page. It includes some other New Mexico attractions our guests have enjoyed.

Contact Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch today to book your Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2017 adventure!

*Find the original blog post here.*

Happy Trails!

Let RanchSeeker help you find your ideal guest ranch vacation today!

So you’ve booked your guest ranch vacation but never ridden a horse before now. Not to worry since most guest ranches offer lessons to 1st time riders before sending them out on a group ride. Horseback riding is a lot of fun but it is important to learn a few basics before saddling up for the first time

A Few Basic Horseback riding tips for Beginners:

1)      Before booking a guest ranch vacation find out whether the guest ranch that you want to go to offers lessons for first time riders. If it is your first time let them know in advance that you would like some lessons.

2)      Make sure to take sensible riding clothes with you and a cowboy boots if you have them. If you don’t have riding boots you don’t need to buy them unless you want to. Most guest ranches have boots on -hand that you can use in various sizes. Take a couple pairs of jeans with you as your legs can chafe against the saddle if you don’t wear long pants.

3)      If it is your first time riding a horse, wear a helmet when possible to protect your head in case you fall.

4)      Horses have blind spots so avoid approaching a horse from behind or from the front to avoid getting kicked from a startled horse. It is better to approach them from the side where they can see you.

5)      In the beginning use a mounting block to get onto your horse and always mount from the left-side.

                                                         Photo compliments of Echo Valley Ranch & Spa 

6)      When you are riding a horse on your guest ranch vacation try to remain calm and relaxed. Horses are very sensitive creatures and they can feel if you are uncomfortable and not in control. Be patient and take deep breaths until you feel at ease.

7)      When riding a horse keep your heels tilted down while in the stirrups as this will prevent you from flying over the horse’s head if your horse has to come to a sudden stop.

8)      When riding a horse, keep your head upright and sit firmly in your saddle and maintain a good posture. Don’t wave your arms around in the air.

9)      To stop, pull your reins back and sit deep in your saddle. Don’t pull too hard as a horse’s mouth is very soft and sensitive.

10)   Most importantly try to have fun and enjoy your surroundings and your horse.

These are just some of the basics that you will learn about horseback riding while at the guest ranch of your choice. Once you feel comfortable with the basics you will find that horseback riding is a fun way to spend time on vacation. There are many other activities at a guest ranch aside from riding but spending time with horses is definitely one of the most enjoyable.

Find your next guest ranch vacation today using our Dude Ranch Finder.

After the excitement of saying “yes” and picking the date, comes the often daunting task of choosing a wedding venue.  Every bride-to-be dreams of “the perfect wedding,” that will be as special and unique as the bridal pair themselves, on this never-to-be- forgotten day. With so many romantic wedding destinations to choose from, it can often be a difficult process to find just that perfect spot to tie the knot. Yes, tropical destinations are always popular, but why not think outside the box and consider choosing a guest ranch wedding where every wish and promise of a really wonderful wedding day can be fulfilled.

Picture yourself and your loved ones in a rustic or luxurious western-style setting encompassed by breathtaking views of majestic mountains, lush woodlands, green meadows, or the hypnotic allure of a desert backdrop. Imagine saying your vows in front of family and friends surrounded by acres upon acres of pristine wilderness and natural beauty.  Instead of opting for a typical wedding venue at a big hotel or large event center, what could be better than a guest ranch wedding framed by awe- inspiring scenery to embark on married life? A day to look back on and fondly remember for always!

Your wedding can be as formal or as casual as you like and depending on the guest ranch it can either be a small intimate affair or a larger one. Either way you are guaranteed to create memorable moments that will last a lifetime. Since accommodations are on-site you will have plenty of opportunities to spend time with your loved ones after getting hitched especially if you choose to prolong your stay to take advantage of all of the activities and amenities available at the guest ranch of your choice. Nowadays, many couples choose guest ranches not only as their wedding venue but also as their honeymoon destination as well.

If you decide that a guest ranch wedding would be the ideal choice for you, the following guest ranches will help you discover the many advantages of staging your big day at a guest ranch.

Echo Valley Ranch & Spa, British Columbia, Canada 

Echo Valley Ranch & Spa is recognized as a premiere guest ranch wedding destination in the Cariboo region of British Columbia, with twenty-two years of experience of hosting guests and special events from all parts of the world. Choose from a variety of ceremony settings including the Baan Thai pavilion, the outdoor covered barbeque area, outdoor decks, the hay barn, or in a forest or meadow setting.

With two world class spas at your disposable (Western and Thai) you and your partner as well as your guests can pamper themselves before and after the ceremony. The ranch team will assist you with all of the planning that goes along with a wedding like decoration, flowers, a photographer and a wedding commissioner. Their goal is to make your wedding as stress-free as possible. After the ceremony feast upon a tailor-made farm fresh gourmet meal accompanied by a wedding cake made especially for you by their executive chef.

A wedding at Echo Valley Ranch & Spa is truly a magical experience for more details download their wedding brochure. 

Sundance Trails Guest Ranch, Colorado, USA 

If you are looking for a small, intimate venue that offers almost unlimited flexibility with a mountain, country inspired wedding theme then this Colorado guest ranch is the place for you. With a breathtaking backdrop of the surrounding Rocky Mountains and five distinct spaces to choose from (three of which can meet the needs of larger groups) Aspen Grove at Sundance Trail boasts outstanding views from every vantage point.

Couples looking for a simple, rustic wedding venue will be delighted with the “Carriage House” option which combines a modern take on rustic barn style architecture and features two large barn doors that when opened look upon sublime vistas. Your wedding coordinator will help you choose the perfect location on the ranch for your romantic mountain ceremony and help you create a special, memorable event. Afterwards invite your friends and family to share an extended vacation with you at the ranch.

For more information and prices check out  Sundance Trail Guest Ranch’s wedding link 

Red Reflet Ranch, Wyoming, USA 

A wedding at Red Reflet will awaken your senses. Awe-inspiring scenery combined with luxurious accommodations provide you and your partner with all of the grandeur that you’ve ever dreamt about for your special occasion. The ranch’s chalets, which are equipped with a fully stocked kitchen and private hot tub, are ideal for creating a romantic setting for after the wedding ceremony.

Red Reflet Ranch’s staff will help you manage every last detail and enable you and your guests to be fully present during your event.  A wedding at this Wyoming guest ranch is intimate, exquisite and spectacular! 

For more information check out Red Reflet Ranch’s wedding link

Heart-stirring scenery coupled with western hospitality will guarantee that your guest ranch wedding will become a cherished memory for you and your guests.

Let RanchSeeker  help you find your ideal guest ranch wedding location or guest ranch vacation!

Happy Trails!

When thinking of booking a guest ranch vacation horseback riding is what usually jumps to mind; however, aside from experiencing life from atop a horse there are always lots of other fun activities to choose from as well. Avid fishermen and ‘newbies’ to the sport may be surprised to learn that the fishing opportunities at several guest ranches is quite special indeed. The Ranch at Rock Creek is no exception. Situated in a pristine valley, this Montana guest ranch offers year-round vacations on an authentic 19th century homestead. With a capacity of up to 125 guests during the summer, accommodations range in size from one-bedroom suites to five-bedroom homes. Guests will also find themselves wowed by world-class ranch cuisine during their stay.

If you are yearning to fill your days with exceptional fly-fishing then The Ranch at Rock Creek  has the ideal 4 night 2017 Fly Fishing Adventure package just for you. For your non-angler travel companions a ranch ambassador will be on-hand to assist in planning a fun-filled vacation itinerary that includes other outdoor activities as well as time in the Granite Spa if so desired.

*The following information has been shared from The Ranch at Rock Creek’s website*

Book a four-night stay between April 1 and June 4 or September 5 and October 31, 2017 and receive over $1,000 in additional value.

Experience spectacular fishing and scenery on Montana’s best waterways. This special offer can be tailored to suit anglers of all experience levels. It includes daily casting lessons, a fly tying workshop, a complimentary full-day float and a complimentary off-ranch fishing excursion, as well as our standard all-inclusive amenities.

Special Inclusions

One (1) complimentary full-day float trip ($550 value)

Spring: Float trip on 14 miles of Rock Creek

Fall: Float trip on the Bitterroot or Blackfoot rivers

One (1) complimentary full-day, off-Ranch Rock Creek fishing excursion ($450 value)

Fly Tying Workshop and fly selection tips

Daily individual casting lessons

All gear and guides provided

Watch our fly fishing video 

Offer Details

Rates start at $1,800 per accommodation, per night based on standard occupancy, plus 20% Ranch Fee.

Offer valid on new reservations only for travel between April 1 and June 6 and September 5 and October 31, 2017, based on availability.

A four (4) night minimum stay is required. Offer is not combinable with other offers and promotions.

Standard RC Inclusions: luxury accommodations; all meals; premium wine, beer, spirits and other beverages; a selection of gear and guided on-ranch activities; round-trip transportation to and from Missoula, Butte and Anaconda airports upon request.

Be sure to mention that you heard about this 4 night 2017 Fly Fishing Adventure package first through RanchSeeker.

Let RanchSeeker  help you find your ideal guest ranch vacation today!

Happy Trails!